Hi Reader,

Growing up, the TV was on a lot at my house. Good Morning America hummed along every morning while my mom got us out the door. When my dad came home from work, the evening news turned on. I never thought twice about it because this was the case at most of my friends' houses too. At that time, the TV was one of the primary ways (alongside newspapers) that adults stayed connected to the world.

My house now is almost the complete opposite. The TV is only on when someone is actively watching something. This wasn't some intentional parenting decision. Instead, it's a function of not having cable and primarily using apps to watch content.

But that's not the case for most families. The average toddler is exposed to over 5 hours of background TV a day, so let's talk about what all that noise is actually doing to our kids.

Your kid's brain doesn't experience it as "background." Kids are wired to notice everything. During play, reading, building with toys, talking with you, the TV is competing for their attention. Their brain has to work harder to tune it out.

And the research is clear. A University of Massachusetts study found background TV shortens attention spans and interrupts concentration during play, even when kids barely glance at the screen. Other research links it to fewer chances for language development and more mental overstimulation.

The younger the child, the bigger the hit.

It changes us, too. A study on parent-child interaction found that when the TV's on, parents speak fewer words, conversations get interrupted more, and kids get fewer back-and-forth exchanges (one of the biggest drivers of healthy brain development).

Flip side: without the background noise, kids use their imagination more, stay engaged longer, problem-solve, build self-regulation.

Boredom isn't the enemy. It's often where growth starts.

Try this one change this week: turn the TV on intentionally, not automatically. Build in a few "quiet hours" for play, reading, exploring, connecting.

Sometimes the healthiest background noise is no background noise at all.

In partnership,

Dr. Rupa

P.S. If background TV feels manageable but you’re staring down the smartphone question, that’s a different beast. Tech Ready is my 5-module course for parents and tweens (5th–8th grade) — built to move your family from arguments and anxiety about devices to a real plan you both agree on. I'd love to see you there.

P.P.S. I'm currently booking fall speaking engagements at schools, workplaces, and community organizations. If you'd be interesting in hosting an event, hit reply and let's talk!